A Taste of Sunshine on Your Thanksgiving Table: 3 Ways to Add a Bit of Florida to Your Menu

Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! While our temperatures certainly don’t reflect the holiday season just yet, a trip to any local shopping center will let you know that visions of turkeys and family gatherings are at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Here in Central Florida though, we have the freedom to celebrate Turkey Day in some unique (and fun) ways! We have some great ideas to help you add some Floridian flair to your Thanksgiving table this year, and give your guests a taste of the Sunshine State.

As you plan your menu, why not try:

A twist of lime that is! Instead of traditional pumpkin or apple, wow your family and friends with a homemade key lime pie this Thanksgiving! Delicious, cool, and creamy, with just enough tartness to keep things interesting, it is THE classic dessert of Florida. Add some homemade whipped cream on the side (or piled high on top) and it’s sure to be a hit!

A mojo marinade or sweet and spicy orange glaze is never disappointing, especially when it comes out adorning a big, golden turkey fresh from the oven (or the smoker) and placed in the center of the table. Orange, lime, lemon, and other “tropical” flavors reflect all the best of Florida, but blend beautifully with turkey, no matter how you choose to cook it. Recipes for this are nearly endless online. Look up one that calls to you and try something fresh this year!

Fall and Winter are when gardens are dying down across much of the US, but here in Florida, our growing season is still going strong. Many local markets will still have fresh produce of all kinds, so plan your holiday menu around these items! Instead of the typical green bean casserole, why not try sweet and savory roasted brussels sprouts alongside your turkey and mashed potatoes? Add some crunch with a bright salad, or try a fruit salsa to replace canned cranberry sauce. There are SO many ways to bring the freshness of Florida to your Thanksgiving table.

We are ready to make our beautiful home state part of our celebrations this year. How about you? We hope this holiday season is full of all the best for you and the ones you love. Carroll Marshall Insurance will be here, behind the scenes making sure you’re covered and ready for whatever the coming year brings.

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!